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Best for Fiberglass Boats
Quickie Sauce Fast Wax
An easy-to-use all-around boat wax made for quick application with long-lasting results.
Best Boat Wax and Polish
Meguiars Gelcoat Restoration Kit
A great wax and polish for fiberglass hulls that also gives you the ability to remove deep oxidation.
Best Boat Cleaner Wax
3M 1-Step Cleaner and Wax
The perfect wax to clean and wax fiberglass boats at once, especially on tough stains.
It isn’t a coincidence that deckhands always get stuck with the job of scrubbing the boat down after a day on the water. Boats, more than anything, are a challenge to keep clean. But with the right boat wax, most cleaning jobs are dramatically reduced. The best waxes shed water, maintain a glossy finish, and keep water stains to a minimum. There are a plethora of companies marketing boat waxes and cleaning products, so finding the right one can be a challenge. The waxes we tested are easy to apply, so you can wax your boat in no time. With the boating season well underway, here are some of the best boat waxes to keep your watercraft looking sharp.
Best Wax for Fiberglass Boat: Quickie Sauce Fast WaxBest Boat Wax and Polish: Meguiars Gelcoat Restoration KitBest Boat Cleaner Wax: 3M 1-Step Cleaner and WaxBest Wax for Aluminum Boat: Woody Wax Tower Treatment SystemBest Boat Wax for Non-Skid Deck: Woody Wax Fiberglass & Nonskid Deck Wax
How I Made My Picks
Over the years, I’ve owned my share of boats and now work with even more as a fisheries biologist. From fiberglass flats boats to aluminum airboats and pretty much everything in between, I’ve been around various boats and materials. Each watercraft has its own requirements for maintenance, but all boats can use a good wax a couple of times a year. I’ve used spray-on styles, buffing styles, and everything imaginable. The best waxes are easy to apply, last for several months, and are reasonably affordable, especially for big boats. Here are some more criteria I used to help evaluate the best boat waxes:
Application: What do you need to apply the wax?Cost: How much is the wax and is it economical for larger boats?Quantity: How much do you get and is it enough for larger boats?Durability: How long will the wax last especially in the sun?Cleaning Ability: Does the wax aid in cleaning?
Best Wax for Fiberglass Boat: Quickie Sauce Fast Wax
Key Features
Applicator: Spray BottleBoat Type: Fiberglass Fluid Ounces: 32 oz
Pros
Easy to applyDurable waxPerfect for small boats
Cons
Slightly expensive
Anyone who owns a boat knows how hard it is to keep it clean. Rather than constantly scrubbing my boat, I switched to Quickie Sauce Fast Wax and have not looked back. Just as the name implies, it is a true quick wax that does not require any buffing machines. To apply, spray it on, let it sit, and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. Yes, it is that simple. It is also surprisingly durable for a spray-on wax, and I can get several months out of it before reapplying. I fish hard and in a variety of water conditions so the fact it withstands going between fresh and saltwater is important to me. It may be tedious to spray, wait, and wipe it off for boats over 30 feet.
Best Boat Wax and Polish: Meguiars Gelcoat Restoration Kit
Key Features
Applicator: Buffing wheelBoat Type: FiberglassFluid Ounces: Three 16 oz bottles
Pros
Great high gloss finishWorks on all fiberglass hullsCan fully restore faded fiberglass and gelcoats
Cons
Requires a buffing wheel to apply
The key to making your gelcoat shine like new is to polish first and then wax. While there are products out there that claim to do both at once, I find it best to do them separately. Meguiars, known for its boat waxes, offers a Gelcoat Restoration Kit which is perfect for polishing and waxing any fiberglass hull. Using a buffing wheel, the polish can be quickly and evenly applied and followed up by the wax to seal and protect the polished finish. Meguiars boat wax is one of the longest-lasting waxes I’ve tried and keeps the polished hue looking new for months. For boats that have been neglected for some time, this kit also comes with an oxidation remover. The remover restores the gelcoat and prepares it to be polished and waxed. Most boaters won’t need the oxidation remover but it is a nice option to have.
Best Boat Cleaner Wax: 3M 1-Step Cleaner and Wax
Key Features
Applicator: Buffing wheelBoat Type: FiberglassFluid Ounces: 32 oz
Pros
All in one waxRemoves tough stainsWorks great on oxidized finishes
Cons
Can’t apply it above 70 degrees
If you’re looking for one wax to do it all then the 3M 1-Step Cleaner and Wax is the one-stop solution. While it does need a buffing wheel to apply, the results speak for themselves. Inherently my boat gets caked with dried mud, scales, and blood after netting bait and catching fish. This wax lifted the stains and lays down a nice protective coat for months to come.
Best Wax for Aluminum Boat: Woody Wax Tower Treatment System
Key Features
Applicator: Spray bottleBoat Type: Aluminum hullFluid Ounces: 16 oz
Pros
Works on any aluminum and stainless steelRemoves oxidation and protects against future stainsEasy to apply with the spray bottle
Cons
Expensive for the size of the bottle
Owning a metal boat has its ups and downs. They can take a beating but when it comes time to maintenance, they can be tricky, especially around saltwater. There aren’t many products on the market for aluminum boats, but the Woody Wax Tower Treatment System stands out among the few. This is a well-rounded product originally designed to remove oxidation and protect towers on large offshore boats. With the spray bottle design, it goes on easy and, in minutes, will loosen existing oxidation and seal the metal from future oxidation. This works well for aluminum boats like duck boats or jon boats, especially those in saltwater. While aluminum won’t rust, it will oxidize, so spraying it with a protectant between uses is a must. With a user-friendly design and quality product, Woody Wax is a great option for those looking to protect their metal boats.
Best Boat Wax for Nonskid Deck: Woody Wax Fiberglass & Nonskid Deck Wax
Key Features
Applicator: Spray-onBoat Type: Fiberglass Fluid Ounces: 16 oz
Pros
Easy spray bottle applicationLast for several monthsHelps lift stains, dirt, and blood
Cons
Can only get 3-4 waxes per bottle
Without proper maintenance, many people fail to realize that a nonskid deck can be just as slippery as a boat with no coating. Woody Wax’s Fiberglass & Nonskid Deck Wax offers the perfect solution to maintaining the deck’s traction and protecting it from the elements. It goes on easier than most deck waxes, with a spray bottle and boat brush to spread it across the floor. Once applied, the wax seals the nonskid decking and removes extra dirt that can prevent the decking from working properly. In addition, it loosens future stains, water spots, or fish blood so cleaning after a long day on the water is fast. With a lifespan of several months, this wax keeps the deck clean, protected from the sun, and ready to go even under the harshest conditions.
Things to Consider Before Buying
A good wax should be easy to apply, last several months, and most importantly, work for the type of boat you have. Although it isn’t a boat accessory, a strong wax is critical to the longevity of a watercraft. With this in mind, consider the following when choosing a wax for your boat.
Application
The type of wax you choose will determine how you apply it. The two most common styles are spray and wipe waxes. Other forms may require an orbit waxer. If you are looking for convenience, then spray and wipe waxes are the way to go. However, for more professional results that will last longer, waxes requiring a rotary waxer are best.
Durability
Depending on the type of wax you apply, it may last a few weeks or several months. In addition, certain waxes can stand up better to abuse, like shoe scuffing (remember to wear good boat shoes) from people standing on the deck. I find the best waxes last two to three months and are easy enough to reapply that I can do it in less than an hour. You can also improve the longevity of your wax, especially on the deck, by storing your boat with a cover.
Wax Type
This is an essential part of buying boat wax. The three most popular waxes are fiberglass wax, nonskid deck wax, and metal wax. Fiberglass wax is perfect for any fiberglass hull and brings a shine to gelcoats. These waxes bead water, dirt, and blood right off them for easy cleanup. Nonskid deck wax is similar to fiberglass waxes but is specifically for boats with nonskid decking. If you were to wax it with regular fiberglass wax, it would be incredibly slippery, but deck wax is designed to maintain its adhesion. Metal waxes are for boat towers, poling platforms, or all-aluminum boats. These waxes remove and help prevent oxidation even in the harshest saltwater conditions.
FAQs
Q: How much does boat wax cost?
Boat wax is generally affordable and for $30 or less you can find a good option. At this price point, there are plenty of waxes that will last you for multiple applications. For premium waxes or specialty style waxes, prices up to $45 are not uncommon but are worth it for these specialized products.
Q: How often should you wax a boat?
It depends on how often you use your boat and where you store it when it comes time to think about waxing it. For heavy use, every couple of months is a good call to keep the gelcoat in good shape and protected from the elements. If the boat is garage kept and rarely sees the water then you can wax it once or twice a year. A good tip to tell when to rewax is if you notice water no longer beading off the side.
Q: How long does boat wax last?
Good boat waxes should last several months in rain, sun, and wind. The process of waxing a boat can take upwards of a half-day depending on the type of wax, so finding a wax that will last is worth it. For anglers who live in the south, it’s even more important to find a way that can withstand the harsh sun. A good option for long-lasting wax is the Quickie Sauce Fast Wax. This lasts several months and is quick and easy to apply.
Q: What is the best cleaner wax for boats?
There are several options on the market for cleaner waxes. Some are multiple parts with a cleaner as the first and wax as the second. A great option to try is the 3M 1-Step Cleaner and Wax. This wax cleans and seals the boat hull at once. In addition, good cleaner waxes will help keep the boat clean until it’s time to rewax.
Final Thoughts
Everyone loves their boat but keeping it looking like new can be a chore. With a good boat wax, cleaning and maintenance time can be dramatically cut down. The best boat waxes are economical while repelling dirt and grime. While it may seem like a tedious process, you’ll be thankful you waxed your boat down the road. The elements, especially the sun, can be brutal on gelcoat finishes, so always protect it.
The post The Best Boat Waxes of 2023 appeared first on Field & Stream.
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